Iowa State’s 2026 recruiting class just got a little stronger - and a little more intriguing - with the addition of Tyler Burnstein, a promising EDGE rusher out of Liberty High School in Peoria, Arizona. Burnstein announced his flip from Washington State to Iowa State just a day after decommitting from the Cougars, signaling a quick and decisive move by new Cyclones head coach Jimmy Rogers to secure a key piece for his future defense.
Burnstein may not be a household name just yet, but there’s plenty to like about his game and his potential. Ranked No. 201 nationally among EDGE prospects in the 2026 class and a top-50 player in Arizona, Burnstein brings both upside and versatility to the table. He’s also slotted at No. 1,900 in the 247Sports Composite rankings - a number that doesn’t tell the whole story when you dig into his tape.
At Liberty High, Burnstein has shown flashes of explosiveness off the edge, using a quick first step and solid instincts to disrupt plays in the backfield. He’s still developing physically, but the tools are there: length, motor, and a frame that should fill out well in a college strength program. Iowa State is betting on that upside - and with good reason.
Before his initial commitment to Washington State, Burnstein had drawn interest from several programs, including a scholarship offer from Arizona State, a sign that Power Conference programs see something worth investing in. His recruitment reflects the kind of high-upside prospect that can blossom in the right system.
There’s also a familiar connection at play here. Burnstein will now follow former Washington State defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit to Ames.
That continuity can’t be overstated - having a coach who already knows your skill set and how to deploy it can make a big difference in a young player’s development. For Burnstein, it’s a chance to step into a system where he’s already understood and valued.
For Iowa State, this is more than just a recruiting win - it’s a sign that the new regime under Jimmy Rogers is hitting the ground running. Flipping a Power Five commit this early in the cycle shows that the staff is aggressive, strategic, and building relationships that matter. Burnstein may not carry a five-star label, but he fits the mold of a Cyclones program that’s built its identity on development, grit, and finding diamonds in the rough.
If Burnstein continues to grow and refine his game, this flip could end up looking like a savvy move down the road - one that adds both depth and long-term potential to Iowa State’s defensive front.